Safeguarding starts with us – The role of every adult in our sport

Safeguarding starts with us – The role of every adult in our sport

As part of SA Sailing’s ongoing safeguarding awareness campaign, we remind all members that safeguarding is notjust a policy—it is a daily responsibility.

The message is simple: Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

While much of the discussion around safeguarding focuses on children and vulnerable participants, the role of adults is critical in creating and maintaining a safe, respectful and inclusive environment across all levels of sailing.

What Does Safeguarding Mean for Adults?

SA Sailing’s Safeguarding Policy clearly states that all participants have the right to take part in sailing free from harm, abuse, harassment, discrimination, and exploitation.

This means every adult in our sport—whether a parent, coach, volunteer, official or club member—has a duty to:

      Promote respect and inclusion in all interactions

      Actively contribute to a safe environment on and off the water

      Recognise and respond to concerns appropriately

      Never ignore or dismiss inappropriate behaviour

Safeguarding is not only about reacting to serious incidents—it is about preventing harm through awareness, culture, and everyday behaviour.

Understanding the Risks

Safeguarding concerns can take many forms, and adults must be aware of how these can arise in a sporting environment. These include:

      Bullying and cyberbullying between participants

      Harassment and discrimination, including inappropriate language or behaviour

      Abuse of power or trust, particularly in coach-athlete relationships

      Neglect or unsafe practices, such as inappropriate training loads or poor supervision

      Grooming, exploitation, or boundary violations

      Retaliation against individuals who speak up

Many of these issues begin with what may seem like “low-level” behaviours—and it is at this early stage that adults must step in.

Your Role as an Adult in Safeguarding

Every adult in sailing plays a part in setting the standard. This includes:

✅ Leading by Example

      Demonstrate respectful communication and behaviour at all times

      Treat all sailors with dignity and fairness

      Do not tolerate harmful language, jokes, or exclusion

✅ Maintaining Safe Boundaries

      Avoid situations where you are alone with a child or vulnerable person where possible

      Ensure transparency in all interactions

      Respect personal space and appropriate conduct at all times

✅ Creating Safe Environments

      Support a culture where participants feel safe, included, and valued

      Be aware of high-risk areas such as changing rooms, travel, and social interactions

      Follow your club’s safeguarding procedures and good practice guidelines

✅ Speaking Up

      Report concerns early—do not wait for proof or escalation

      Support others who raise concerns

      Understand that reporting is an act of care, not accusation

SA Sailing strongly encourages all concerns to be reported, regardless of who is involved, to protect the wellbeing of everyone in the sport.

Confidential, Supportive Reporting

A key message from this campaign is that you are not alone when raising a concern.

      Reports can be made confidentially, including anonymously where necessary

      Safeguarding Officers are trained to handle concerns sensitively and appropriately

      Information is treated with care and only shared where necessary to protect individuals.

Know the Policy – It Applies to You

Safeguarding applies to all members—including:

      Adults and athletes

      Volunteers and staff

      Coaches, officials, and support personnel

      Visitors and anyone involved in club or event environments.

Understanding the policy is not optional—it is part of your responsibility as a member of SA Sailing.

Look Out for Each Other

Creating a safe sport environment depends on collective accountability.

Ask yourself:

      Would I feel comfortable if this behaviour was directed at me or someone close to me?

      Would I act if I saw this happening to someone else?

If the answer raises concern—even slightly—it is worth speaking up.

If You Have a Concern – Speak Up

If something does not feel right, trust your instincts.

📧 Email: safeguarding@sailing.org.za
📞 Phone: 021 531 1860

You can also speak to your Club or Provincial Safeguarding Officer.

Final Message

Safeguarding is not about compliance—it is about people.

It is about ensuring that every person who participates in sailing—regardless of age, ability or background—can do so in an environment that is:

• Respectful
• Safe
• Supportive

As adults, we set the tone.
Our actions, decisions, and willingness to act define the culture of our sport.

Let’s lead by example. Let’s protect our community.
Let’s make safeguarding everyone’s responsibility.